Julio Jones Still Not at Falcons Offseason Workouts; Deletes Falcons Photos from His Instagram Page

Pro Bowl wide receiver Julio Jones has yet to join the Atlanta Falcons for offseason workouts, according to multiple sources, and the deletion of Falcons photos from his Instagram page fueled speculation of unrest between Jones and the team, Vaughn McClure of ESPN reports.

Jones was not with his teammates when the Falcons officially began offseason workouts last week but was expected back this week. He wasn’t present, however, when the players returned to the field Monday.

The team said the deletion of the Falcons photos had to do with Jones wanting a “fresh start” on social media and nothing more.

One source told ESPN it was to set an example for Alabama players. Jones, a star receiver at Alabama from 2008-10, had spent the day with Crimson Tide players.

Falcons director of football communications Brian Cearns also pointed out in a tweet Tuesday morning that Jones had discussed his relationship with social media on a March 28 episode of “Bama Football Shop Talk.” In the video, Jones discussed needing to be willing to let go of social media.

“At the end of the day, when that social media is gone — you delete social media right now, what you stand for, who are you?” Jones said. “Social media ain’t going to make me.”

There have been whispers about a possible contract situation regarding Jones, but nothing has gone public from Jones’ camp or from the team.